One sided accordions?

[Mike t.]

Not that I want to switch from playing my PA, but this summer I saw a couple of one sided button diatonic type accordions. They were playing Cajun songs, they had no bass buttons on the left side. Years ago in an accordion band a lady had a bass PA accordion with only piano keys on the right side, no bass buttons. If I remember correctly it didn’t sound all that low pitched. I remember feeling lost playing it with no buttons under my left hand, plus my bass reading ability was really bad back in the day.

 

[Vladimir M.]

Playing without bass makes sense in an orchestra or band. The "lightened" left side (without reedblock with reedplates and mechanics) has less weight and the musician will not tire as quickly. You will appreciate that after four hours on stage. However, if a person wants to play alone, she/he simply needs a bass part. Otherwise, the instrument is only reduced to one-third the size of a harpsichord keyboard range with the sound of a cheap harmonium with manual air pump drive.

 

[oldbayan]

Lots of latin players use Hohner Corona-like accordions with an empty bass side. The buttons are there but there are no reed blocks inside.

 

[Rosie C]

Playing without bass makes sense in an orchestra or band.

True. I'm practising for a Christmas show and was struggling a bit until I realised we'll have a double bass in the band, and a keyboard, so I can just focus on the treble.

Edit: though after I posted this I was practising and I think we'll lose something unique if I don't play the stradella...